Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On April 7, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the delegation headed by Mrs. Martin Vassal, President of the Departmental Council of the French Republic of Bouches-du-Rhône, accompanied by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of France, Rev. Fr. Archimandrite Grigor Khachatryan.

Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Armenia, was also present at the meeting.

Greeting the guests and referring to the centuries-old Armenian-French friendship, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the French authorities for their caring attitude towards the French Armenians who survived the Armenian Genocide, as well as for the support shown to Armenia in these difficult days.

During the conversation, His Holiness touched upon Armenia's security challenges, the occupation and depopulation of Artsakh, the release of Armenian captives of war still held in Azerbaijan, and the preservation of Artsakh's spiritual and cultural heritage, emphasizing the taking of active steps by friendly countries and the international community in that direction.

In turn, the Chairman of the Departmental Council, Martin Vassal, introduced the Patriarch of All Armenians to the members of the delegation. Emphasizing the importance of their visit to Armenia and the Armenian spiritual center, His Holiness conveyed information about the delegation's mission and program, which are aimed at further strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries and overcoming the challenges faced by the Armenian people.